Planning and Scoping a Penetration Testing Assessment

Planning Phase

Initial Client Meeting

Objective: Understand what the client aims to achieve with the penetration test.
Key Questions:
- What are the key assets you're concerned about?
- What types of attacks or threats are you most concerned with?
- Do you have any compliance requirements (e.g., PCI-DSS, HIPAA)?

Documentation Review

Objective: Review existing documentation to understand the network topology, application architecture, and other relevant details.
Key Deliverables:
- Network diagrams
- Application architecture diagrams
- Previous vulnerability assessments or pen test reports

Legal and Compliance Checks

Objective: Ensure that all legal requirements are met and permissions are granted.
Key Deliverables:
- Signed contract
- Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
- Permission to test forms

Scoping Phase

Define Scope

Objective: Clearly outline what is in-scope and out-of-scope.
Key Deliverables:
- List of target IP addresses
- List of target applications
- User roles for testing authenticated areas

Determine Timeframe

Objective: Decide the duration of the test.
Key Questions:
- When will the test start and end?
- Are there any blackout periods during which testing should not occur?

Resource Allocation

Objective: Decide who will perform the test and what tools will be used.
Key Deliverables:
- Names and credentials of the penetration testers
- List of tools that will be used

Success Criteria

Objective: Define what will constitute a successful test.
Key Deliverables:
- Expected outcomes
- Metrics for success (e.g., percentage of high-risk vulnerabilities identified)

Finalize Plan

Objective: Consolidate all the above information into a formal test plan.
Key Deliverables:
- Penetration Test Plan document
- Client approval on the plan

By spending ample time on planning and scoping, you're laying a solid foundation for a successful penetration test. This ensures that both the client and the testing team have clear expectations and guidelines, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or scope creep.

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